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Crufts is the world's largest four day dog show: Here Lyn Tozer and her dog Tizzy Pop prepare for the last day of the dog show at the National Exhibition Centre.
Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
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The fair was named after entrepreneur Charles Cruft, who created the competition in 1891 at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington (London) to increase the sales of his dog food company.
Back then, 2,000 dogs took part.
Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
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This year, 20,000 dogs are competing in Birmingham for the coveted title of Best in Show, as are these two Chinese Crested dogs.
Photo: MOLLY DARLINGTON / REUTERS
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Wait, wait, wait: An Old English Sheepdog, also known as a Bobtail, lies on a grooming table on the first day of the show and perseveres.
Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
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Final hair check: The toy poodle is the smallest species of the family and is considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds.
He has a balanced, friendly and cheerful personality.
He should be lively, playful, affectionate and sensitive.
Photo: MOLLY DARLINGTON / REUTERS
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Good mood among the owners: The Great Danes instead seem to be stoically waiting to see what awaits them next.
Photo: Jacob King/AP
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Small dog with a huge head of hair: a Shih Tzu is resting.
Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
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French bulldogs with bandanas in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
As a sign of solidarity with Ukraine, Russian dog owners and their pets were banned from attending the event.
Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
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Organizer The Kennel Club, the governing body of British dog breeders' clubs, shares the "world's dismay at the appalling atrocities taking place in Ukraine".
The ban is a testament to the sadness and concern at this situation, which is being driven by the country's leaders and not the people, a spokesman said.
Photo: MOLLY DARLINGTON / REUTERS
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In addition, £50,000 (about €59,744) will be donated to support breeders, owners and their dogs in Ukraine, Poland and Hungary.
"Our friends in Ukraine and their dogs are in fear for their lives and we will do everything we can to support them," the Kennel Club said.
Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
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Long, silky coat, dynamic stature and a dignified expression: the Afghan Hound knows how to present itself.
Photo: MOLLY DARLINGTON / REUTERS
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The bichon frisé on a short leash: At that time, the small dog was mainly popular with the French and Spanish nobility – and in the 16th century it was the pet of high society.
Photo: MOLLY DARLINGTON / REUTERS
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Final refresher: A poodle prepares to compete.
Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
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Exhausted after the first jury assessment: An Old English Sheepdog on the first day of the fair.
Photo: OLI SCARFF / AFP
